Message from the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam
A new strain of Swine Flu has been detected in Mexico and the U.S. This new strain of Swine Flu is believed to have caused over 1,600 cases of illness in Mexico, with an estimated 100 fatalities. At this time, the CDC reports only 20 confirmed cases in the U.S., none of which has been fatal. There have also been confirmed cases in Canada, New Zealand and Spain. There have been no reported cases in the Netherlands. The flu responds well to 2 antiviral medications.
The Netherlands has stocked up antiviral medications according to carefully prepared pandemic scenarios. In case the need arises for antiviral medications, to access these antivirals without delay in The Netherlands, you MUST have registered with a “huisarts” (family/general practitioner physician) for everyone in your family. Click Here for more information about health and medical services in The Netherlands. This information is contained in the Consulate General’s website: http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov
You are encouraged to follow the everyday actions listed below that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
-If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
-Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
For further information about Human Swine Influenza, please consult the Department of State information on Swine Flu at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html
The United States Centers for Disease Control website at
Or the World Health Organization website at
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
The U.S. Consulate General in the Netherlands is located at Museumplein 19, Amsterdam, tel. (31)(20) 575-5309. The after-hours emergency telephone number is (31)(70) 310-2209.
U.S Consulate General
Amsterdam
